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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting each rookie’s role, impact after 2017 NFL Draft

By James LeBreton

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 10, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Pita Taumoepenu (50) sacks Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Pita Taumoepenu (50) sacks Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6, Pick 202: Pita Taumoepenu

One of the biggest needs of the off-season is someone who can play the edge position. After that, the 49ers could use some serious help at linebacker. By drafting Pita Taumoepenu in the sixth round, the franchise has addressed both.

He’s been labeled as a pass rushing specialist, the only problem is that he’s had limited exposure to the game. In two seasons at Utah, he played a total of 13 games while starting in only seven of them. He’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-1 and 243 pounds, but nonetheless he has a passion for the game and knows how to get to the quarterback.

His work ethic is high energy, but time is not on his side. Unfortunately he was drafted five rounds too late. With Rueben Foster waiting in the wings to take over at the WILL position, the fate of Taumoepenu rests in the hand of special teams.

If he can impress the coaches then he’ll be used frequently as quality depth. No matter the outcome, Shanahan has made it perfectly clear that the best man will win the job.

Lucky for him, Pita T controls his own destiny.

Prediction: Special Teams

Next: Adrian Colbert